Sunderland's £25.6 Million Move for Dayann Methalie Faces Collapse After Medical Setback

The expected £25.7 million transfer of Dayann Methalie from Toulouse to Sunderland is now uncertain after the defender failed his initial medical examination. Methalie has returned to France for further tests, putting the entire deal in jeopardy just before the new season.

Medical Concerns Stall Transfer

According to talkSPORT, the move is on hold after Methalie did not pass Sunderland's medical checks. Although Toulouse allowed him to travel to England to finalize the deal, the preliminary assessments revealed issues requiring more in-depth examination. As a result, Methalie left England and went back to France while both clubs review the findings. Sunderland had agreed on an initial £24 million fee plus £1.7 million in add-ons, but this £25.7 million deal now awaits clarity from additional medical tests.

Impact on Sunderland’s Defensive Plans

Sunderland has been preparing for a challenging season, including Europa League matches. Methalie was set to be their second major signing of the summer, following free transfer Thomas Meunier. The Black Cats need a dependable left-back ahead of their Premier League opener against Ipswich Town. This unexpected medical issue disrupts those plans, forcing Sunderland to consider alternative defensive options quickly to maintain squad depth for both domestic and European competitions.

Methalie’s Injury History

The Toulouse academy product missed the recent friendly against Hamburg because of the ongoing transfer process. Last season, he played 30 times for Toulouse in all competitions, helping them finish ninth in Ligue 1. Yet, Methalie sat out six matches due to injuries, including a knee problem early in the year that kept him sidelined in January. This knee concern might explain the current medical doubts, prompting Sunderland to proceed with caution given the size of the investment.

Next Steps Await Medical Results

Methalie will undergo detailed medical testing in France over the coming days to identify any hidden problems. Sunderland must soon decide whether to renegotiate, delay, or abandon the transfer entirely. Meanwhile, Toulouse prepares for their season opener against Lyon, where Methalie might still play if the move falls through.

• Premier League Match: Ipswich Town vs Sunderland on 22 August 2026 at 16:00
• Ligue 1 Match: Toulouse vs Lyon on 22 August 2026 at 20:45